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Disability compensation is a benefit paid to a veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. It is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care. The benefits are tax-free.

Who is eligible for Disability Compensation?

You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have a service-related disability and you were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Entitlement to disability compensation may be presumed under the circumstances described and for the conditions listed.

Veterans within one year of release from active duty: Veterans diagnosed with chronic diseases (such as arthritis, diabetes, or hypertension) are encouraged to apply for disability compensation.

Veterans with continuous service of 90 days or more:

Veterans
diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's disease
at any time after discharge or release from qualifying active service
is sufficient to establish service connection for the disease; if the
veteran had active, continuous service of 90 days or more.

How much does VA pay for Disabilities?

The amount of basic
benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are. It is paid in 10
% increments. ( Ex: a veteran with a 10 % rated service-connected
disability gets $130.94 a month) Click for Disability Compensation Rates

Note: You may be paid additional amounts, in certain instances, if:

you have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s)

you have a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s) (must have 30 % disability or more)

you have a seriously disabled spouse

How do I apply for Disability Compensation?

The easiest thing to do is to contact the VSO Office at 219-465-3587 and set up an appointment with one of the VSOs. (There is no charge for any of their services)

OR:

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veterans
Application for Compensation and/or Pension. Or VA Form 21-526EZ, Fully
Developed Claim (Compensation).

If you have any of the following material, please attach it to your application:

Disabilities determined by VA to be
related to your military service can lead to monthly non-taxable
compensation, enrollment in the VA health care system, a 10-point hiring
preference for federal employment and other important benefits. Ask
your VA representative or Veterans Service Organization representative
about Disability Compensation, Pension, Health Care, Caregiver Program,
Career Services, Educational Assistance, Home Loan Guaranty, Insurance
and/or Dependents and Survivors’ Benefits.